NPR News Now - NPR News: 06-12-2025 7PM EDT

Episode Date: June 12, 2025

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The news can feel like a lot on any given day, but you can't just ignore it when big, even world-changing events are happening. That's where the Up First podcast comes in. Every morning and under 15 minutes, we take the news and pick three essential stories so you can keep up without getting stressed out. Listen now to the Up First podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is promising to move forward with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, along with the deployment of the National Guard.

Noem speaking as a federal judge is set to rule on a request from Governor Gavin Newsom to put a stop to the use of military forces there. Meanwhile, LA Mayor Karen Bass pushed back on Noam's characterization of her city. I was listening to the words of the secretary at the press conference describing LA as a war zone. It is my understanding that she arrived here late last night, was here for a few hours today, and came to that conclusion. There's no one up here that sees Los Angeles like that. Bass was also questioned about an incident at Nome's press conference where Senator Alex Padilla of California was pushed to the ground and handcuffed as he shouted questions

at Nome. Bass saying Padilla clearly identified who he was. Nome says he didn't. The UN's nuclear watchdog agency has declared that Iran is breaching nuclear non-proliferation agreements. NPR's Janet Raaf reports Iran has responded, says it will expand its nuclear program. Shortly after the International Atomic Energy Agency accused Iran of non-compliance Thursday, Iranian state media said the country in response would build a new uranium enrichment site in a secure location.

It was the first time in almost 20 years the UN agency has accused Iran of breaching its non-proliferation obligations. Iran had signed a deal with the US and other major powers 10 years ago, limiting its uranium enrichment program. But President Trump later pulled out of the accord. He said Wednesday that the U.S. would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to hold a sixth round of talks Sunday in Oman on Tehran speeding up its uranium enrichment program.

Jane Araf, NPR News, Amman. GOP lawmakers today grilled three Democratic governors during a House committee hearing, more from NPR's Brian Mann. The House Oversight Committee was chaired by Kentucky Republican James Comer, who pointed to instances of violence by migrants. Sanctuary policies do not protect Americans. They protect criminal, illegal aliens. Lawmakers sparred repeatedly with Democratic governors

from Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. They pointed out migrants commit crimes at lower rates than American citizens. Governor J.D. Pritzker of Illinois described Trump's crackdown on migrants as a dangerous overreach. ICE showed up in Chicago nearly immediately and began terrorizing our neighborhoods, our

schools and parents. During the hearing, Democrats condemned Trump's mobilization of military units in Los Angeles. Republicans supported the deployment. Brian Mann, NPR News. Stocks gained ground on Wall Street today. The Dow was up 101 points. The NASDAQ gained 46 points. This is NPR. A former Missouri congressman and one-time auctioneer has been confirmed as the next head of the Internal Revenue Service, the Senate confirming Billy Long by a 53-44 vote to serve as IRS commissioner, while in Congress, Long sponsored legislation aimed at doing away with the agency. Heavy machinery and other military equipment is being brought to Washington ahead of a large military parade scheduled for this Saturday. The parade is

part of a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. As MPR's Kat Lonnstorff reports, it also happens to fall on President Trump's 79th birthday. The parade route is set along D.C.'s National Mall, starting near the Lincoln Memorial and ending near the White House. It will include thousands of troops in uniform, dozens of tanks and howitzers, and several Army aircraft. And much of that equipment has needed to be brought in. D.C. resident Pierce Iquodomakis witnessed large trucks carrying tanks and other armored vehicles along a main street in a residential neighborhood in D.C. earlier this week.

It's surreal. It's a little depressing. I think a lot of people forget that people actually live here and it's not some sort of playground. Many of D.C.'s roads are already closed for the event, and Reagan National Airport will close for several hours on Saturday to accommodate a flyover. Kat Lonsdorf, NPR News, Washington. Bruce Springsteen continues to attack the Trump administration at a concert in Berlin.

The rock star slamming the administration is, quote, corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous. Comments from the veteran musician coming into appearance at a venue built for the 1936 Olympics. Dressing as German foe, fans Springsteen said quote, it's time for those who still believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us.

I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.